Former Homeland Security Department Secretary Tom Ridge has been hired to advise a Texas company that is selling a patented high-speed public alert and notification system to schools and other facilities.

Ridge will be senior adviser to TechRadium, which is marketing its Immediate Response Information System (IRIS) for emergency notification. The system allows designated personnel to send emergency e-mail or voice mail messages to a large number of recipients during an emergency.

“TechRadium is at the cutting edge of new technologies necessary for protection and information in today's world," Ridge said. "I look forward to assisting the company as it expands the use and opportunities of IRIS, a promising and exciting new technology."

Ridge served as President Bush’s homeland security adviser and became secretary of the new department when it opened its doors in March 2003. Ridge resigned in December 2004 and is now the principal at Ridge Global, a strategic consulting firm.

"We are excited about Gov. Ridge's participation, and he will play a very important role in the further development of TechRadium," said Ryan Rodkey, chief executive at TechRadium.

Alice Lipowicz writes for Washington Technology, an 1105 Government Information Group publication.